Decoding Trust In The Digital Age In Singapore and Wider Asia

― To unlock the full potential of digital transformation, we need to first understand how trust functions in the digital world. Building a trustworthy digital future in Singapore and Wider Asia requires regulation, digital literacy, transparency and so much more.

By Daisy Radford, Vice President Operations, EVYD Technology, and Chair, BritCham Technology Committee

In an age where technology touches every element of our daily lives, trust has become a cornerstone of our digital interactions (whether we’re eager to acknowledge it or not). Trust in our digital world is not just an abstract concept. It is a crucial currency that underpins the functioning of our societies and economies. This is especially evident in Singapore and the wider Asian region, where rapid technological advancements reshape the trust landscape.

Singapore, often hailed as a global tech hub, is an excellent case study for digital transformation. The city’s commitment to innovation and digitalisation is neatly captured in its Smart Nation initiative, which aims to harness technology to improve lives, create more opportunities, and build stronger communities. Yet, with these advancements come new challenges in building and maintaining trust.

The Trust Landscape in Singapore

Singapore’s unique blend of technological ambition and regulatory foresight provides fertile ground for examining trust in the digital age. As highlighted by the work of the British Chamber of Commerce Singapore, SGTech, and other leading trade associations, trust in technology is multifaceted, encompassing aspects such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

Data privacy is a critical component of trust. With the increasing digitisation of services, from banking to healthcare, Singaporeans are more reliant than ever on digital platforms that collect vast amounts of personal data. Ensuring that this data is handled with care and transparency is essential. The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC) in Singapore has been proactive in setting robust guidelines to protect personal data. However, continuous efforts and significant education are needed to keep pace with evolving technologies and threats.

Building cyber hygiene to maintain the health and resilience of our data, network and systems is important. Closely aligned with good cyber hygiene is cybersecurity, another key pillar of trust. The more interconnected we become, the wider our attack surface, and therefore the more vulnerable we are to cyber threats. In 2022, Singapore experienced a 145% increase in cyberattacks as compared to the previous year, as reported by the Cyber Security Agency (CSA). Singapore’s Cybersecurity Act 2018 and the CSA demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding the nation’s digital infrastructure. However, regulations are only one piece of the cybersecurity “puzzle”. The other key piece is fostering a national culture of security—where individuals and organisations work together to truly understand why protecting digital assets is vital, and understand how to do so.

Ethical AI usage is emerging as a significant area of focus. The World Economic Forum shared a recent study which found two-thirds (67%) of IT leaders would prioritise generative AI for their business within the next 18 months, with one-third (33%) claiming it as a top priority.

As AI systems become more integrated into decision-making processes such as hiring practices and loan approvals, ensuring these systems are fair, transparent, and accountable is paramount. Singapore’s Model AI Governance Framework, developed by IMDA, is a step in the right direction, promoting the responsible deployment of AI technologies.

Expanding the Trust Conversation in Asia

Beyond Singapore, the broader Asian region presents a diverse and dynamic trust landscape. Countries vary significantly in their levels of digital maturity, regulatory frameworks, and cultural attitudes towards technology. However, several common themes are emerging.

Firstly, there is a growing recognition of the importance of digital literacy. As more people come online, equipping them with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and confidently is crucial. This includes understanding how to protect personal information, recognising misinformation, and using digital tools responsibly.

Secondly, cross-border data flows are inherent to a connected world. Keeping consistent and harmonised data protection standards in place is a complex but necessary endeavour. The ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement supports the development of technology while placing guardrails to protect its collective population of 700 million.

Lastly, the ethical implications of emerging technologies need more attention. As we embrace technological innovations like AI, blockchain, quantum computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT), we must consider the underlying vulnerabilities they introduce and, most importantly, their societal impact. Our reliance on the digital world is already here and will only increase.

Building a Trustworthy Future

Globally, the concept of trust is multifaceted. The debate on whether trust is an emotion, belief system, or expression continues, but there is agreement on its central role in all human relationships.

Our desire to trust the newest apps and be part of a new community often overpowers our cautious and logical side. In this context, we need to build robust regulatory frameworks, promote digital literacy, and foster ethical innovation. As a society, we should celebrate those that adhere to sustainable safeguarding, and opt out of those that play fast and loose with data—data that has the power to transform our lives.

The responsibility lies with everyone—as businesses, government entities, and individuals—to uphold the principles of transparency, security, and ethical conduct.

As we navigate this rapidly evolving digital landscape, we must acknowledge that trust is the relationships we build and the values we uphold, and that remains true in the digital world. By prioritising trust, we can unlock the full potential of digital transformation, and create a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous future for all.

EVYD Technology is a healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) company with the mission to transform healthcare using data intelligence. They offer evidence-based solutions that seek to enhance public health surveillance, generate insights for decision-making, and implement programmes to improve healthcare outcomes.

Visit www.evydtech.com for more information.